question...

[Anonymous]

So my child got an acceptance letter to the one private school to which we applied (none of the inner beltway biggies) and after the usual congratulations! it was recommended that she work on her fine motor skills (her pencil grip). Is it standard to give the child something to work on? I wasn't expecting this in an acceptance letter and have not heard this was at all a problem at her preschool (admittedly, a very relaxed, play-based school). I'm not particularly worried, but just wondering if anyone else had this experience?
Thanks for any insight you may have.

[Anonymous]

The only information I can provide is that when I managed a pediatric rehabilitation program which contacted to some schools, screenings and education for fine motor skills was a common request for early elementary programs - our schools were all public. So I can tell you this is not an uncommon request at some point in starting school.

[Anonymous]

I have no experience with this, BUT if you want to try working on it, I did just see some Melissa and Doug triangular crayons that are supposed to be easier for the kids to grip. They have them on amazon and at one step ahead. My DD isn't quite ready for school yet.

[Anonymous]

Is it possible it's in everyone's letter?

[Anonymous]

Hello "11:06" poster. I would love to buy my daughter those Melissa and Doug crayons, but can't seem to find them on amazon. Can you possibly add a link to them?

I'm not the OP, but thanks for your suggestion!

[Anonymous]

OP here -- Thanks everyone for your responses and I, too, would like to find those Melissa and Doug crayons. Where can you buy them? I would assume one of those pencil grips would be a reasonable facsimile?

In re: my daughter's fine motor skills...I'm thinking it's not in everyone's letter. My daughter does hold her pencil in an unusual way. She's a lefty like me and we always seem to have problems in the right-handed world. She should be tilting her paper when she writes and gripping the pencil differently. But is holding a pencil the usual way a "fine motor skill?"

I don't have a problem with the recommendation at all. I'm not one of those 'my kid is perfect' types (at least I hope not). I appreciate the feedback. I was just wondering if this was something others had encountered.

[jsteele]

I believe these are the crayons mentioned above. If you use this link, DCUM will get a small referral fee:

24pc Triangular Crayon Set

[Anonymous]

Another technique recommended by OTs is to break crayons in half-- the smaller size is easier for little hands to grip in the correct way. I tried it with my daughter and it really works.

[Anonymous]

I taught for a number of years and the other thing you can do is to break chalk into small pieces and to use small chalk boards that have a frame.

Other great small motor activities include:
lacing beads
small pop em beads
beading in general
using tongs to pick things like cotton balls up

To be honest, I am wary of a school recommending work on small motor skills based on a one hour or so "play date" with your child. I would mention this to your child's preschool teacher to see what his/her take on the situation is.

[Anonymous]

Thanks again everyone for the great info!

[Anonymous]

In addition to the triangular crayons. you can buy one of those triangular pencil grip things from a office supply store or on-line. I don't know my son has mild cerebral palsy and has been going to occupational therapy for years and his therapist recommended using the triangular grippers on the pencils so that he holds the pencil correctly. Pointer on top, thumbkin on side and tall girl underneath. Here is a link to some from leaps & bounds:

http://www.leapsandbounds.com/catalog/product.jsp?productId=368772

[Anonymous]

My kids' preschool teachers told me it is virtually impossible to do an incorrect grip on one inch long sections of crayons. It does seem to work - my ds's grip has improved a great deal. And it's a lot cheaper and easier than purchasing triangular crayons.